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Bear Bag Hanging Simulator – Online PCT Method Practice

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Bear Bag Hanging Simulator

PCT Method
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Step 1: Aim Move your cursor up/down to aim, then tap the power bar to throw the line over the branch.
Throw Power
Tap to lock power — aim for the green zone
PCT Method: Hang food at least 12 ft above ground, 6 ft from the trunk, and 6 ft below the branch.
Bag Height: 0 ft From Trunk: 0 ft

Frequently Asked Questions – PCT Bear Bag Hanging

What is the PCT method for hanging a bear bag?
The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) method is a counterbalance technique: you throw a line over a high branch, attach your food bag to one end, then pull the other end to hoist the bag up. Once the bag is high enough, you tie off the line to a nearby tree or root. This keeps food at least 12 feet above ground and 6 feet from any climbing surface, making it extremely difficult for bears to reach.
How high should a bear bag be hung?
According to best practices and national park guidelines, your food bag should be at least 12 feet (3.6 meters) above the ground, at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the tree trunk, and at least 6 feet below the supporting branch. Bears are excellent climbers and can reach surprisingly high if given a path.
What equipment do I need for the PCT bear bag hang?
You need: a sturdy stuff sack (bear bag) for your food and scented items, 50–75 feet of durable cord (at least 2–3mm paracord or专门的bear line), a small throw weight (like a rock in a sock or a dedicated throw bag), and a carabiner to clip the bag to the line. Some hikers also carry a small pulley for smoother hoisting.
Why is the PCT method better than just tying a bag to a branch?
Simply tying a bag to a branch leaves it vulnerable — bears can climb the tree and reach the bag directly. The PCT counterbalance method suspends the bag in open air between two points, making it nearly impossible for a bear to access from any angle. The bag hangs freely with no solid climbing path, and the rope is too thin for bears to grip effectively.
How do I choose the right branch for bear bag hanging?
Look for a live, healthy branch that is at least 15–20 feet high, extends at least 6–8 feet horizontally from the trunk, and is thick enough to support the weight of your food (at least 3–4 inches in diameter). Avoid dead branches that could snap. The branch should be isolated — not part of a dense cluster that a bear could use for climbing.
What are common mistakes when hanging a bear bag?
Common mistakes include: hanging too close to the trunk (bears can climb and swipe), not getting the bag high enough, using a branch that's too thin or dead, leaving the throw line dangling where a bear could grab it, hanging near camp instead of 200+ feet away, and forgetting scented items like toothpaste or sunscreen inside the tent instead of the bear bag.
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